Cranesbill (Crowfoot)

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Geranium maculatum
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Roots
Leaves
Chemicals this herb contains:
Coloring materials
Gallic acid
Gum (See Glossary)
Pectin
Starch
Sugar
Tannins (See Glossary)

KNOWN EFFECTS

Produces puckering. Shrinks tissues. Prevents secretion of fluids. May increase blood clotting. Interferes with absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally.

Miscellaneous information:
Is used as a mouthwash. Is used as a gargle for sore throat. Used in traps to kill Japanese beetles which are attracted to it. They die when they eat cranesbill leaves.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Acts as an astringent. Decreases nosebleeds. Treats bleeding from stomach, mouth, intestines. Treats diarrhea. Is used as a poultice (See Glossary). Occasionally used as a means of applying medications.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Problems in pregnant women taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Problems in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
None expected if you are beyond childhood and under 45, basically healthy and take for only a short time.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Comparative-toxicity rating not available from standard
references.
For symptoms of toxicity: See below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS